Chapter 180: Pricing is an issue.
The finishing sequence came when Alissa’s enhanced reflexes allowed her to slip inside the minotaur’s guard, her blade finding vital arteries.
Blood immediately erupted like a fountain, spraying the forest floor with deep, dark blood.
The massive creature collapsed with a final roar, its magical aura dissipating as life faded.
She made it look almost easy.
But the battle hadn’t been completely one-sided. A large scratch marred Alissa’s left arm where the minotaur’s claws had found their mark during one exchange.
She’s hurt. Not seriously, but she needs healing.
Noah immediately reached into his storage ring, withdrawing a loaf of magical bread. "Here, this will help with the wound."
Alissa accepted the offering with obvious gratitude, understanding exactly what Noah was providing. "Thank you."
...
After watching Alissa and Kip fighting additional minotaurs in the area, Noah had gained valuable combat experience. Observing what practitioners at higher ranks could accomplish provided insights that no amount of theoretical training could match.
The demonstrations had shown him techniques, timing, and approaches that would take time to discover through personal trial and error. Each battle revealed new combinations that expanded his understanding of what was truly possible.
It had been about two hours since he’d left his shop, and Noah decided it was time to return.